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Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday filed a resolution calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to recommend declaring Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, following his contentious statement that Beijing could “easily win” if it resorts to force against the Philippines.
Under proposed Senate Resolution No. 739, Tulfo, vice chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign relations, said that Jing’s remark “raised serious concerns over the propriety of diplomatic conduct and its implications for Philippine sovereignty and national security.”
The senator said the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China “must be anchored on mutual respect, constructive engagement, and peaceful dialogue.”
He urged the DFA to recommend to the appropriate authorities the declaration of Jing as persona non grata, in view of the severity of his statements and their possible effects for the country’s sovereignty, national dignity, and bilateral relations with China.
READ: What does it mean when you are declared persona non grata?
To recall, a social media post by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, showed Jing being interviewed, where he said, "If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not use force. You know, we love peace, and in this region, we enjoy the peace."
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he would summon the Chinese Ambassador following his remarks, which the chief executive said “sounds very much like a threat,” and is “not a very diplomatic statement to be made.”
On Monday, the DFA formally summoned Jing to convey the Philippine's "serious concern and strong objection" to his recent remarks.
The Chinese Embassy earlier released a statement asking if the statement of some lawmakers declaring the Chinese ambassador persona non grata was a “threat or coercion.”
"But anyway, just do it. Otherwise, STOP BLUFFING," the Chinese Embassy added. — RSJ, GMA News